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Maintenance Operation Frequency - Observation
Check the transmission and
engine mountings (*b)Hard shifting or excessive vibration
Check and adjust transmission
controls (*b)High effort to shift or noisy
transmission
Check fuel pump pressure Insufficient full-throttle power or
backfiring
Clean radiator cap seal. Clean
and inspect the cap surface on
the radiatorWhen the cap does not hold pressure
Check the battery terminals for
corrosionWhenever electrical power supply has
diminished
Tighten the wheel mounting
nuts to the specified torque.
Refer toServicing your
wheels and tiresRequired initially at 804 and 1 609 km
(500 and 1 000 miles). Perform again
at 804 and 1 609 km (500 and 1 000
mile) intervals after each tire
removal/replacement.
*a During maintenance and repair, protect the fuel tube and the hose
assemblies, the power steering lines, and the air brake lines from the
external heat, the acids and the abrasion that could damage the lines.
*b Check for (free) linkage action and ensure that (return) spring
force is adequate to maintain pedal free play.
*c Adjust, repair or replace as required with the same or equivalent
parts.
General maintenance information
189
Page 205 of 208

Air cleaner filter .......................142
Air conditioning ..........................21
Audio system (see Radio) .........26
Automatic transmission ............102
Auxiliary power point .................21
Battery .......................................140
jumping a disabled battery ....125
voltage gauge ............................18
Belt minder .................................67
Brakes ................................82,84,87
anti-lock ......................82,83,84,90
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ............12,83
brake warning light .............10,11
fluid, checking and adding ....131
parking ............................85,87,90
trailer .........................................93
Child safety restraints ................71
child safety belts ......................71
Child safety seats ...................72,73
attaching with tether straps ....75
in front seat ..............................74
in rear seat ................................74
tether anchorage hardware .....76
Cleaning your vehicle ...............164
engine compartment ..............165
exterior ....................................165
exterior lamps .........................166
instrument panel ....................166
instrument panel lens ............167
interior .....................................167
plastic parts ............................166
safety belts ..............................167
washing ....................................164
waxing .....................................164
wheels ......................................165
wiper blades ............................166
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............21
Clock ..................................29,36,45
Clutch ........................................132
fluid ..........................................132Coolant ......................................134
checking and adding ..............134
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................51
Customer Assistance ................114
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................201
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................194
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............200
Getting roadside assistance ...114
Getting the
service you need ....................194
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................203
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................197
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............200
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................20
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................112
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................125
Emission control system ..........176
Engine
check engine/
service engine soon light .........14
cleaning ...................................165
coolant .....................................134
Engine block heater ...................80
Engine fan .................................136
Engine oil ..................................127
checking and adding ..............127
oil pressure gauge ....................19
recommendations ...................129
Exhaust fumes ............................81
Fuel ............................................151
Index
205
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Relays ........................................115
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .....61,62,63
Safety defects, reporting ..........204
Safety restraints ................61,62,63
belt minder ...............................67
cleaning the safety belts ...70,167
extension assembly ..................66
for adults ..............................62,63
for children ...............................71
lap belt ......................................65
warning light
and chime ........................14,15,66
Safety seats for children .......72,73
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............61
Seats ............................................58
child safety seats .................72,73
Servicing your vehicle ..............179
Speed control ..............................51
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ..................77
jump starting ..........................125
preparing to start your
vehicle .......................................77
Tachometer .................................18
Tires
checking the pressure ............151Towing
wrecker ....................................125
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................137
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................137
manual operation ......................97
Trip odometer .............................18
Turn signal .............................12,49
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................173
Vehicle loading ..........................111
Warning chimes ......................10,15
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................133
reservoir ..................................133
Water, Driving through .............112
Wheels .......................................147
Windows
power .........................................55
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking and cleaning ............146
operation ...................................50
replacing wiper blades ...........146
Wrecker towing .........................125
Index
207